January 2018, big month! Open Banking came to Europe, and while things were relatively quiet, in years to come I am sure we will all reflect back on Jan-2018 as the month where it all started. Fintech and blockchain announcements continue to catch my eye, as do the reports of the month. Check out the following top payments news stories for January 2018:

1. Payments News – Cyber Security

Fingerprint recognition, developed by Gemalto, will replace a PIN for Bank of Cyprus cardholders

Mastercard Identity Check will enable customers to use biometrics (e.g. fingerprints and facial recognition) to identify themselves from April 2019